Hurst has a lot on his plate - but his first task will be to implement full-day kindergarten. Another goal is to provide personalized education for each and every student in the district.

"Schools are not widget factories and children come to us in varying degrees of readiness," Hurst said.

Hurst said he feels personalized education is the biggest challenge in public schools and with careful planning, said teachers can engage every learning level.

This summer, many schools have undergone some changes including refurbishing. Crews have even rebuilt a 77-year-old elementary school.

"We want our kids to have a wholesome, safe, secure physical environment," Hurst said. "We want them to have the opportunities for the best technology."

While his journey with the district is just beginning, Hurst hopes his legacy will be felt for years.

"That we've paid very close attention to individual skill level and mastery of skill and taken each child as far as they could go and that's what I would want my legacy to be," Hurst said.

Before coming to Putnam City, Hurst was superintendent of Tahlequah Schools and was named the 2008 Oklahoma State Superintendent of the Year. Hurst will also be inducted into the Oklahoma Educators Hall of Fame this weekend.